An important first edition of the works of Great Awakening, Calvinist divine, Augustus Toplady [1740-1778]. Today he is perhaps best remembered as the author of the immortal hymn, Rock of Ages, which itself is a satire against the theology of John Wesley. Toplady also attempted to engage Wesley on the issue of Predestination, to which Wesley famously responded, "I do not fight with chimney-sweepers. He is too dirty a writer for me to meddle with. I should only foul my fingers."
A shame, as Toplady was a man of eminent learning and godliness. It is also all but forgotten today that he for a time courted Selina, Countess of Huntingdon and was one of her most prized preachers during the Great Awakening. Toplady sat under the teaching of Whitefield as a young man and was buried in Whitefield's Tabernacle upon his death.
Toplady, Augustus. The works of Augustus Toplady, A. B. Late Vicar of Broad Hembury, Devon. Complete in Six Volumes. London. Printed for the Proprietors and Sold by W. Row, etc. 1794. First Edition. With Frontis.
All bound in well worn reverse calf with polished calf respines, probably late 19th century. Consolidated and ready for use with a couple having a few signatures forward and some weakness at spine. Very much ready for use though. Interior hinges reinforced.